FINANCE company The Funding Corporation has announced 250 jobs and more on the way as it officially opened its new headquarters in Kingsfield Court.

More than 70 staffing posts were immediately filled at the Chester Business Park site on Monday which was launched by Bob Edmiston, chairman of TFC.

The new building is the former 26,000 sq ft Manweb House and has been renamed International House located between the respective headquarters of MBNA and Marks & Spencer Money.

The move is the icing on the cake for the company after finance deals were struck in recent weeks, meaning even more jobs likely in the coming months.

Mr Edmiston said: 'The Funding Corporation is a remarkable success story. It was conceived and launched during one of the most difficult periods in corporate history - the summer and autumn of 2001.

'It has grown from strength to strength, created jobs, wealth and well-being, as well as a range of brands, products and services that have proven to be appropriate for today's consumer and corporate demands.

'The team - at all levels - can be proud of its achievements.'

Jim Rowley, managing director of The Funding Corporation, said: 'We have been closing some significant deals which, in turn, has meant we can look forward to greater growth and job creation in 2005 than we may have originally expected.'

The new jobs are in the call centre, customer service department, collections and accompanying administrative roles.

TFC, one of the biggest independent finance companies in the UK, is funded by Barclays and the IM Group and is on target to lend a total of £1 billion in its first five years of business.

Mr Rowley said: 'The progress of the business has been down to the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff, and they have helped make a significant contribution to the local economy as a result.' When TFC was established in October 2001, it became the biggest start-up finance company in the UK and the biggest company start-up in the UK, of any status, since the mid-1990s.

TFC made operating profits of more than £1.5m to December 2003, in its second trading year, on sales of £48m. Loans exceeded £135m, up 210% on 2002.

TFC provides specialist loans to the consumer market through more than 100 affinity organisations and 1,000 car, motorcycle and caravan dealers.

The Funding Corporation (TFC) is based in Chester, with a number of satellite offices, and employs more than 500 people.